Native Grasshoppers

Natural Shelter

Grasshoppers are incredibly diverse, with varying sizes, colours, patterns, and prefer habitats. There are hundreds of grasshoper species native to Australia and many remain undescribed by science. Very few native grasshoppers swarm and prefer solitary lives within the garden.

The Giant Grasshopper (Valanga irregularis) is often found in gardens around Perth and are Australia’s largest grasshopper. The adults typically shelter in clumping grasses, on the bark of trees, and in the vegetation of dense shrubbery.

Their young are usually wingless and rely on dense vegetation for shelter. A garden with plenty of groundcovers and smaller shrubs can provide suitable habitat for young grasshopers.

Novel Shelter

A template of a bug hotel is illustrated below. Things to consider:

• Place several bug hotels throughout the garden to avoid disease spread.
• Have several smaller hotels throughout the garden to avoid parasite and predator burden.
• Position in a north and east position sheltered with dappled shade.
• Keep dry and ensure protection from the rain.
• Avoid using insecticides around the garden.

Bug Hotel – Nest box

Providing natural sources of food

Grasshoppers are nocturnal herbivorous and feed on plant leaves, shoots, and roots. They feed on a large variety of plants including hardenbergia, eucalyptus, kangaroo paws, hakeas, and many others.

Providing sources of water

Grasshoppers visit bird baths and frog ponds for a drink. Insects often fall into water sources and can drown. A partially submerged rock or stick can provide a safe avenue for smaller creatures to leave the water safely.

Grasshoppers typically lay their eggs in damp soils. A dampland garden can provide additional breeding habitat.